Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Food Packaging
Leave a CommentChoosing the right food packaging product for your food or beverage product is paramount to health and safety, as well as brand reputation. Here, we’ve compiled the main factors to assess when selecting food packaging for your application. From temperature control to industry-specific safety regulations, these considerations can help ensure food packaging is both safe and effective.
Choosing the Right Materials For Food Packaging Safety
The right packaging materials prevent spoilage and extend shelf life by protecting against a broad range of environmental factors. Barrier films like EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol) or multilayer structures can be very effective at keeping moisture and air out of different kinds of containers. Other key properties to look for in your food packaging material include:
- Temperature resistance. Food-safe packaging must withstand temperature fluctuations during transport and storage, including refrigeration or freezing.
- Durability. The packaging material should be strong enough to protect your product during each stage of its journey.
- Chemical compatibility. Food packaging materials must not chemically react with the food or beverage product, as this could lead to spoilage and contamination.
Maintaining Product Integrity For Food Packaging Safety
Food packaging safety requires packaging that can protect food products from a range of factors such as:
- Physical damage. Use robust materials like metal cans, rigid plastics, or reinforced corrugated boxes to safeguard from physical damage (e.g., punctures or crushing during handling and transport).
- Shock absorption. Cushioning materials (such as foam inserts or air pillows) can reduce impact damage from shocks and vibrations.
- Temperature fluctuations. Insulated materials are often necessary to maintain a food product’s intended temperature for extended periods.
- Product contamination. Aseptic packaging and processing techniques can eliminate the presence of various microorganisms to maintain sterility.
- Tampering. Tamper-evident seals and labels deter unauthorized product alteration and protect the authenticity of food and beverage products.
- Light and moisture. Light protection can shield food and beverage products from UV radiation that can degrade nutritional compounds and discolor products, while moisture barrier materials keep moisture out to reduce the risk of spoilage, degradation, and mold growth.
Enhancing Shelf Life For Food Packaging Safety
Advanced food packaging safety techniques provide comprehensive protection, thanks to a wide range of Food Safety Certified packages and containers:
- Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). MAP packaging replaces air with a specific gas mixture (often a combination of carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen), creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria, mold, and yeast. Fresh produce, cheese, baked goods, and meats often use MAP to maintain product freshness.
- Vacuum packaging. Vacuum packaging is also an effective way of preventing oxidation and product spoilage. This process involves removing all air from packages to minimize oxygen exposure and prevent microbial growth.
- Barrier packaging. These packaging materials create reliable barriers that minimize exposure to oxygen, moisture, and other environmental factors, extending food and beverage products’ shelf life. Barrier packaging materials include aluminum foil, nylon, and multi-layer films that incorporate materials like EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol).
- Temperature control. Insulated containers and packaging materials are carefully designed to keep foods within their required temperature range.
- Antimicrobials. Some food safety packaging challenges require the inclusion of antimicrobial agents to prevent microbial growth along the package’s surface.
Food Safety Certification
A food safety certification ensures your food and beverage packaging uses FDA-approved materials and techniques, which is necessary to meet rigorous industry regulations throughout the production process. At Alpha Packaging, we’re proud to be a Food Safety Certified manufacturer of food-safe packaging products such as:
- Custom corrugated boxes
- Beverage carriers and trays
- Fresh produce boxes
- Box foam inserts
- Cold chain packaging
- Wholesale pizza boxes
- Gaylord combo bins and other bulk packaging solutions
Food Safety Packaging From Alpha Packaging, Inc.
The right packaging products can protect food and beverage products from spoilage, mold growth, and degradation to guarantee freshness and quality. At Alpha Packaging, Inc., we leverage our status as a Food Safety Certified packaging manufacturer and expert in custom package printing to provide fully curated food-safe packaging solutions. Our packaging products for the food and beverage industry address the widest possible range of food safety and spoilage concerns with moisture barriers, insulated packaging materials, tamper-evident closures and labels, and more.
From robust barrier seals and insulated packaging to tamper-resistant seals, antimicrobial films, and vacuum packs, Alpha Packaging is a true leader in Food Safety Certification manufacturing. To learn more about our commitment to food safety packaging, contact us or request a quote to start on your next order.